These soothing lotions from Acure Organics will nourish your skin and leave you feeling smooth and hydrated all summer long. They are free of parabens and sulfates, cruelty-free, and contain no synthetic fragrances. Each of these lotions contains Acure’s Certified Organic Curoxidant Juice Blend as a base. It’s packed with organic Acai, organic Pomegranate, organic Blackberry, organic Rosehips, and organic Rooibos to create one of the most potent antioxidant blends available for your skin.

There are two lovely lotions to choose from:

The Firming Lotion has a slight lemongrass aroma and is made with firming organic argan oil. This lotion will leave your skin feeling nourished and stimulated.

The Ultra-Hydrating Lotion is made with organic cocoa butter. It is fragrance free and will leave your skin feeling smooth and satisfied.

Visit our Body Care page to see a full list of all the nourishing skincare goodies and accessories we have to offer!

We love to admire the unique artwork each year when the Wildflower Festival poster comes out. This year’s subject is the cute spring native Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila menziesii var atomaria) with Dance Flies. Check out those pollinator-attracting spots!

Be sure to visit the Mountain Rose booth for free organic tea and lots of herbal goodies to explore.

Hope to see you out there this Sunday…

Click here to learn more about the festival!

Have you heard of the “no ‘poo” movement? It’s definitely not my favorite term, but the philosophy behind it is worth exploring. It refers to the droves of people turning away from using expensive commercial shampoos and conditioners. These products often contain harsh synthetic fragrances, sodium laureth sulfate, propylene glycol, and other creepy ingredients that come from mystery labs around the world. We trust that these products will make our hair gorgeous and drench ourselves in weird chemicals without knowing how they affect our overall health. Plus, think of the millions of plastic bottles that end up in the recycling bin, or worse, from all of the hair products we use.

But…you HAVE to use shampoo, right?

Nope!

We’ve been told to “lather, rinse, and repeat” for decades now – and with dreams of healthy, shiny, flowy, bouncy perfection, we have complied. But what happens? The first day after a wash, your hair is kinda frizzy and dried out. On the second day it’s looking pretty good. By the third day it’s a crazy greasy mess again and time to shampoo. This cycle happens as your scalp desperately tries to maintain balance. Most shampoo strips your hair of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands to help condition and protect each strand. When it’s completely washed away, your glands sound the alarm bells and produce even more sebum to compensate for the sudden loss of protection. Using gentle cleansers and washing less often allows your body to function the way it was meant to…

Going “no ‘poo” is a different experience for everyone, depending on your natural hair and scalp condition. I have very fine, curly hair with a normal to dry scalp, so the transition was super easy for me. I started using the Chamomile Rose rinse recipe below just once a week. My hair immediately looked so much healthier and had more body and shine. Suddenly, instead of one good hair day a week, my hair was consistently awesome with less frizz and no scalp irritation at all. I know other people with thicker or oily hair go through a not so fun ”balancing” phase where the sebaceous glands continue to produce more and more sebum in anticipation of that regular shampooing. If you can stick it out, the process will eventually find homeostasis and revert back to a normal sebum production rate. This usually only takes a few weeks and is well worth the wait. Just think of all those neglected hats waiting in your closet!

Ready to try it out? These herbal hair rinses are amazing. They are so easy to make and will leave your hair feeling soft and your scalp clean and revitalized, but not stripped or dried out. Use once a week to replace your shampoo for good and allow your natural oils to condition each strand from root to tip.

Chamomile Rose Rinse

1 ½ cups organic Chamomile tea, brewed strong

1 cup organic Rose Petal tea, brewed strong

1 tbsp baking soda

The deep golden yellow produced by the chamomile flowers makes this a wonderful choice for light colored hair or to enhance natural highlights in darker hair. My hair is dirty blond and I really notice a lightening effect like a sunny glow to my hair when I let it soak in for at least 5 minutes before rinsing out.

Rosemary Cacao Rinse

1 ½ cups organic Cacao nib tea, brewed strong

1 cup organic Rosemary leaf tea, brewed strong

3 drops organic Peppermint essential oil

1 tbsp baking soda

Rosemary is a classic herb for hair health. It brings circulation to the scalp and stimulates the follicles. It is also known to enhance the richness in dark colored hair. The naturally conditioning cocoa butter fats found in cacao nibs will leave your hair feeling soft, and the chocolate colored infusion is perfect for all shades of brown hair. Peppermint oil adds an invigoratingly clean scent, and is great for oily or sensitive scalps.

Nettle Lavender Rinse

2 1/2 cups organic Nettle leaf tea, brewed strong

5 drops organic Lavender essential oil

1 tbsp baking soda

Nettle is a wonderfully strengthening tonic herb for hair. Its high mineral and vitamin content nourishes all hair types. Lavender essential oil is calming and helps normalize both dry and oily scalp conditions, and its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory nature makes it a nice choice for irritated or sensitive scalps too. This formula is perfect for all hair colors and types.

Rinse Directions

- Using a covered pot, decoct your herbs for 10-15 minutes. I generally use 1/4 cup of herbs per cup of water.

- Strain out the herbs and combine your herbal infusion, essential oils, and baking soda together in a glass jar. You want the baking soda to be completely dissolved and well mixed.

- Allow to cool to body temperature.

- Pour over dry hair or soak hair in the mixture for at least 5 minutes. Massage the scalp gently using a circular motion.

- Rinse out with clean running water.

- You can follow the herbal rinse with an apple cider vinegar rinse if you’d like, which is a really popular method, but I usually skip it.

Feel free to experiment with other herb and essential oil combinations. For more information and guidance about what herbs are good for hair care, check out Naturally Healthy Hair by Mary Beth Janssen.

Enjoy your natural tresses!

This recipe is such a convenient preparation which either can be used alone or incorporated into cosmetic and medicinal recipes.  And, it couldn’t be simpler to make!

Witch Hazel extract is produced from the leaves and bark of the North American shrub Witch-hazel, Hamamelis virginiana. It has astringent, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anesthetic properties, making it an invaluable ingredient for many different medicinal and cosmetic preparations.

I especially love using herbal infused witch hazel as a facial toner, often incorporate it into facial wash recipes, and a small dab works great on blemishes.  Beneficial for all skin types from oily to dry and mature skin, Witch Hazel is often used as an aftershave, to cleanse oils from the skin, remove make-up, decrease bags under eyes and skin puffiness, reduce pore size, and to minimize varicose veins.  Medicinally, Witch Hazel extract is often applied as a compress or added to bath water to assist with minor injuries, skin irritations, insect bites, hemorrhoids, rashes from poison ivy or oak, localized inflammations, and other conditions.  Athletes sometimes rub Witch Hazel extract onto their arms or legs prior to workouts to help prevent muscle strain, or after a workout to help relieve soreness.

What you’ll need:

•    Witch Hazel extract
It’s best to use a high quality organic Witch Hazel extract.  Commercial Witch Hazel extracts usually contain more alcohol than actual Witch Hazel, and have only been distilled once. However, true Witch Hazel extracts (like the one offered by Mountain Rose Herbs) has been double distilled, and contains 86% Witch Hazel extract and only 14% alcohol. This makes it more soothing than the versions found in stores, and it lacks the alcohol sting and scent.

•    Herb(s) of choice
Here some favorites, but feel free to be creative!  You can make infuse just one or can make a blend: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Elder flowers, Green Sencha Leaf tea, Lavender flowers, Lemon Balm, Lemon peel, Lemon Verbena, Lemongrass,  Nettle leaf, Orange Peel, Peppermint, Rose petals, Rosemary, Sage, Red Clover flowers, Vanilla beans.

Directions:

1.    Place the dried herbs in a glass mason jar, and cover completely with the Witch Hazel extract. Make sure that the Witch Hazel extract covers the herbs by at least 1-2” to account for swelling once that the herbs become hydrated.   If the herbs swell and rise above the Witch Hazel extract, simply add more Witch Hazel extract until they are fully submerged.

2.    Cap tightly and place in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or closet.

3.    Allow to infuse for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily or as often as you remember.  You will notice that the Witch Hazel will quickly take on the scent and color of the herbs.

4.    Once finished, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth or a fine cloth.  Pour into a clean bottle, label, and enjoy!

Precautions:
The FDA has approved Witch Hazel distillate as safe for external use in skin care products. Avoid using Witch Hazel extract close to the mucus membranes or in the eyes, as it contains a small amount of alcohol. It is best to use on this product on unbroken skin.  External use of Witch Hazel extract could result in minor skin irritation for some people.  Do not use on serious burns, cuts, or other wounds.

Our handcrafted Rose and Lemon Facial Washes are now Certified by Oregon Tilth, and have a gorgeous new look! These wonderfully gentle cleansers are certified as made with organic aloe vera and organic extracts, and the castille soap that we use is certified as made with organic oils.

These all natural botanical facial washes are mild enough for any skin type and lightly aromatic for a refreshingly clean experience. They make a wonderful body wash too! Our facial wash contains no synthetic ingredients, perfume oils, preservatives, or harmful chemicals, and we make them in small batches to ensure the highest quality for bathing bliss.

Visit our website for a complete list of ingredients!

A lovely view for us today…

The grassy field across from Stewart Pond in the West Eugene Wetlands is turning amethyst with statuesque Camas (Camassia leichtlinii) flowers.

Looking for a last minute Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift?

How about a little pampering just for yourself?

Our luxurious and botanically rich Herbal Facial Kit is so easy to use and leaves your skin wonderfully soft and glowing. Handcrafted with organic herbs, pure essential oils, fine cosmetic clays, and pure rosewater, this kit is perfect for everyone.

Each kit comes packaged in a decorative reusable box made out of recycled board stock that’s covered in a tree-free wild grass paper, and then finished with a sweet little twig closure. Perfect for storing your facial kit ingredients or any other treasures you may have.

Complete with step-by-step instructions, each kit comes with enough supplies for 5 facials and includes some of our very favorite Mountain Rose Herbs facial care products – all made by us in small batches:

Herbal Steam – Open pores with skin nourishing plant oils.

Cleansing Grains – Gently exfoliate dead skin and clear pores.

Green Clay Mask – Absorb toxins, stimulate circulation, and deep clean pores.

Wild Rose Facial Oil – Moisturize, protect, and balance your skin.

Rosewater Toner – Invigorating astringent to tighten pores and seal in moisture.

You can find the Herbal Facial Kit here!

So many hearts have been touched by Oregon herbalist Cascade Anderson Geller over the decades.

She was a bright beacon in our community, shedding light to guide her students by, as well as illuminating problems that needed healing in the natural world. With her sudden passing on Saturday, we must now carry on her fierce dedication to protecting the earth and deep love of green beings.

Rosalee de la Foret wrote a touching piece today in memory of Cascade’s generous wisdom as a teacher and activist. You can read it here. We are also releasing this beautiful video from our storytelling night at Rootstalk in her honor. It is truly a blessing to be able to share this special moment with all those who knew Cascade, as well as those who feel a connection with her words and work.

Here are some more body care goodies from our friends at Fawn Lily Botanica! Handcrafted in the Pacific Northwest, these artisan lip balms and bar soaps are made with luxurious organic oils and butters in small batches.

Extremely rich, creamy, conditioning and smooth, these botanical lip balms are a treat for the lips! Choose from 5 luscious botanical combinations in a 0.15oz tube…

3mint + cocoa
hibiscus + ginger + rosehip
spiced chai + coconut
nourishing herbal
lavender + meadowsweet

These artisan cold processed soaps are cleansing, yet gentle, soothing, nourishing, and moisturizing. They have a smooth and creamy lather which leaves skin feeling silky smooth and clean without being stripped, dry, itchy, or irritated. Choose from 5 botanical combinations in a 5oz bar…

lemongrass + matcha green tea
chai spice
ginger honey
woodland
soothing herbal

Here’s a shot of Mason working on a new sign for our recycled garden booth!

We are so excited to debut it at the upcoming Mother Earth News Fair! We took an old door skin, traced a stencil of our logo, hand painted it, and the last step now is to cut around the mountain.

If you are able to attend this inspiring sustainable living fair - and we really hope you can - be sure to stop by our booth to check it out in person! Plus, Mason will have some free herbal goodies for you to take home. See you there!

We have a special gift to help you celebrate Herb Day this year!

In honor of this extraordinary community event, Mountain Rose Herbs will send out a free online packet called Herbal Medicine Making 101. Simply visit this link, enter your email address, and select the “Herb Day Newsletter” box. If you already subscribe to our regular newsletter, you are good to go! Then on May 4th we will send you an email filled with free lessons including…

How to Make Tinctures

Herbal Oils & Salves

Infusions & Decoctions

Medicinal Vinegars

Syrups

Liniments

Infused Honey

and more!

Click Here to Sign Up!

More about Herb Day:

The eighth annual Herb Day will take place Saturday, May 4, 2013. Herb Day is an international celebration of herbs and herbal products that is packed with events aimed at educating and sharing ideas about the many ways herbs bring joy and well-being into our daily lives. We celebrate herbs in food, beverages, medicine, beauty products, and crafts, along with the art of growing and gardening with herbs. Herb Day is a grassroots movement and its events belong to everyone who chooses to participate. Although May 4th will be the focal point of our celebration, we encourage you to commemorate Herb Day any time of year!

The HerbDay Coalition consists of the American Botanical Council, United Plant Savers, the American Herbal Products Association, the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and the American Herbalists Guild.

Dandelion Flower Fritters

Spring is such a magical time!  Plants which lay dormant throughout the winter become alive again with fresh and vigorous energy, actively emerging up through the earth, pushing out fresh new shoots, proudly displaying vibrant tender tips, and bursting into colorful blossoms.

Dandelion flowers are one of my favorite springtime herbals.  Not only are fritters a perfect way to use Dandelions before they burst into seed, but their mild and slightly bitter flavor is dangerously addictive!

Ingredients
-  Dandelion flower tops (Taraxacum officinale)
-  1 organic and free-range egg
-  1 cup organic milk
-  1 cup organic flour (Brown Rice flour can be used for a gluten-free alternative)
-  Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to:

1. Gather Dandelion tops during the day, when the sunshine has opened up the bright and cheerful flowers.
2. Rinse in cool water to remove any critters or debris, and allow to dry while preparing the batter.
3. To make the batter, combine egg, milk, and flour in a bowl and mix until all lumps are gone.  If you prefer sweeter fritters, add a little maple syrup, honey, Cinnamon, or a dash of Vanilla extract.  To make more savory fritters, try adding Rosemary, Oregano, Basil, Chives, Sage, Thyme, Tarragon, ground Peppercorns, salt, or even a little parmesan cheese.
4. Prepare a skillet on the stove with olive oil over medium heat.
5. Take one of the flowers, hold it by the greens at the base, dip into the batter, and twirl until the flower is covered in batter.
6. Drop it into the skillet, flower side down.  Continue dipping and dropping until the skillet is full.  A second method is to remove the “petals” (each yellow petal of the dandelion is actually an individual flower with a single petal and reproductive parts), sprinkle them directly into the batter, then cook just like pancakes.
7. When the fritters are lightly browned, flip them over, and brown on the other side. When finished, remove from the pan and plate.
8. For a sweet treat, drizzle with maple syrup, honey, jam, plum sauce, or powdered sugar.  For a savory snack, dip into aioli or a sauce made with tahini, mustard, curry, hot chili peppers, or anything else you wish!